The Apostle John claimed, “No one has ever seen God;…” I John 4:12 And yet, the Bible repeatedly records God as coming among his people. (Academically referred to as a Theophany.) One of the more recognizable times God initiated contact with

Nobody likes change. We get comfortable where we live, with what we do, who we associate with, how we worship; and want to be left alone. But change involves work and at times discomfort as we learn something different or new. The reality being that much of what we

One of the exciting aspects of being on your own, one we’ve all looked forward to at one time or another, is being able to decide for ourselves what we do or don’t do. Things like where we go, when we go there, and who we go there with. Up for debate

I enjoy watching sports and get particularly excited by a well-thrown pass in football or a well executed play in basketball. I am also inspired by the harmony and lyrics of a well-sung song or a well-turned phrase in literature; an idea masterfully conveyed by a few choice words.

Last week, in an attempt to discern the significance of baptism to the Christian believer and thus, its application within the church today; we looked at a number of Biblical calls for its practice and thus, its importance to the early church. This week I’d like to

The significance of baptism as part of the plan of salvation is often questioned. Is it merely a work (which we are supposed to be free of), a ritual (practiced as an initiation rite), or an act of obedience called for by God?
Baptism is included in

…not so very long ago, everyone – at least every male – carried a pistol on his hip and a rifle in a saddle-holster on his horse. Not merely for show, they were genuinely needed for personal protection, as well as safeguarding their families and maintaining

What kind of images do you associate with spring? Baby chicks and bunnies, decorated eggs, new clothes? What about green grass, budding trees and flowers emerging from the ground? Some anticipate an egg hunt, toys and candy. Others participate in a Sunrise Service

The dual usage of the term man – or mankind/humanity, has long been understood to designate a species and/or the male component of that species. Much as the Hebrew word for the first man – Adam/Adamah is derived from the word for ground/dirt, from which Adam was created and which then consequently became

Green – the color of Ireland, the emerald isle; fostering the tradition of the wearing of green on St. Patrick’s Day. Images of a pugnacious character, with a look of defiant determination on his face and shamrocks abound. Pride in being Irish is expressed in parades

The problem with the renewed debate over gun control, sparked by the most recent school shooting in Florida, is that much of what is being said has been said before. One major issue with this debate being the extremes to which both proponents and opponents of gun rights choose to frame

So-called “New Atheists” such as Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins claim that kindness, generosity and goodness are not found exclusively among religious people. (Which is true to a degree.) But then they go on to assert that these social inclinations

I have to admit that some scripture still confuses me. In particular, that used to espouse predestination, such as Rom. 9:16 - 21. Salvation declared as not dependent “…on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” I get that, but then to

I recently came across an article published by Readers Digest that I had tucked away for future use – and promptly forgot – that reinforces the idea that people of every age and type face similar issues, struggles and temptations throughout their lives. Very

Have you ever wondered how some holidays got their start? All of them intend to be a reminder of something or someone, commemorating the day a significant event occurred or the person who did it. Some are obvious; Christmas, Easter and the 4th of July. Some, however, we

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